By admin 
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) – A man who was training to become a sheriff’s deputy in Richland County has found himself on the other side of the law.
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According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, 38-year-old Kenneth Edmonds has been arrested and charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Richland authorities said Edmonds had been employed by the department since January and was in training to become a deputy.
According to the sheriff’s department, it was notified by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division on Thursday about a warrant for Edmonds that was issued during an investigation.
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The warrants released by South Carolina authorities allege Edmonds committed sexual battery on a 5-year-old sometime between February 2025 and May 2026. The child reportedly told investigators that what happened left them in pain.
The sheriff’s department said it cooperated with SLED and immediately fired Edmonds.
“I am disgusted that someone entrusted to wear this uniform could commit such a reprehensible offense,” Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said. “He has betrayed the badge, our agency, and the trust of the community we serve.”
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Edmonds was arrested Friday and booked at the Lexington County Detention Center.